Audi RS5

THERE’S a lot at stake for Audi in this year’s Performance Car Of The Year test. Not only is the R8 out to defend its crown, the all new RS5 is making its UK debut in the toughest possible arena.

The muscular newcomer certainly has the right credentials to dazzle. Flared wheelarches, an automatic tailgate spoiler and 19-inch wheels help toughen up the sleek Audi’s lines. But it’s underneath the skin that the biggest changes have been made.

Unlike the firm’s other S-badged models, the RS5 ditches the 3.0-litre V6 turbo in favour of a crushingly powerful 4.2-litre V8. Elsewhere, the quattro four-wheel-drive system gets trick centre and rear differentials, and is mated to a rapid-fire seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox. Ceramic front disc brakes, an option at £6,250, are also available. Settle into the low-slung driver’s seat, thumb the metal start button and the V8 unit bursts into life. The powerplant dominates the driving experience, thanks to its scorching straight-line pace and thundering soundtrack.

As you’d expect, the all-wheel-drive Audi feels safe and secure on the track. Its combination of power and limpet-like traction allowed the RS5 to lap our Anglesey circuit in 63.8 seconds – a full tenth of a second faster than its arch rival, the BMW M3. Yet, while the steering is weighty and direct, the newcomer lacks the vital element of driver involvement that marks out the best cars here. Compared to the delicate BMW, the Audi feels blunt.

In fact, the RS5 makes much more sense as a rapid road machine. Here you can switch the three-stage adaptive dampers to their softest setting for a more comfortable ride and exploit the grip and poise to blast quickly and safely down twisting back roads. While the Audi lacks the dynamic finesse and fun factor of  many cars here, its characterful engine, eye-catching looks and capable chassis make it a highly desirable performance machine.